Spin-torque Effect Research Articles

Highly Efficient Room-Temperature Nonvolatile Magnetic Switching by Current in Fe3GaTe2 Thin Flakes.

Effectively tuning magnetic state by using current is essential for novel spintronic devices. Magnetic van der Waals (vdW) materials have shown superior properties for the applications of magnetic information storage based on the efficient spin torque effect. However, for most of known vdW ferromagnets, the ferromagnetic transition temperatures lower than room temperature strongly impede their applications and the room-temperature vdW spintronic device with low energy consumption is still a long-sought goal. Here, the highly efficient room-temperature nonvolatile magnetic switching is realized by current in a single-material device based on vdW ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2. Moreover, the switching current density and power dissipation are about 300 and 60000 times smaller than conventional spin-orbit-torque devices of magnet/heavy-metal heterostructures. These findings make an important progress on the applications of magnetic vdW materials in the fields of spintronics and magnetic informationstorage.

Evolution of switching fields caused by reorientation of GdFeCo/Ir/GdFeCo synthetic ferrimagnet in magnetic field

Anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in GdFeCo/Ir/GdFeCo multilayered structures attracts great interest because all optical switching, spin-torque, and other effects promise effective application for ultrafast memory element creation. Since AHE is controlled by GdFeCo magnetization, domain dynamics has importance for practical applications. In our work, magnetization reversal in perpendicular GdFeCo/Ir/GdFeCo synthetic ferrimagnets is characterized by AHE measurements. The AHE hysteresis loop obtained with the field applied perpendicular to the sample plane is composed of three sub-loops, and two of them are symmetrically biased with respect to the third one. Switching magnetic fields for two of the three transitions are found to be dependent on magnetic history. In particular, exposure of the sample in the in-plane field leads to reduction of the out-of-plane switching fields in side sub-loops. A multiple series of perpendicular hysteresis loops recorded after exposure under high in-plane field reveals gradual (within 30 min) relaxation of the out-of-plane switching fields to their initial values observed in a non-magnetized sample. Domain wall mobility, limiting switching of the bilayer devices, is complicated due to the coupling between partial domains in each single layer. Unusual dynamics of double domain walls results in unexpected new phenomena affecting electrical processes in bilayer structures.

Spin Berry curvature of the Haldane model

The feedback of the geometrical Berry phase, accumulated in an electron system, on the slow dynamics of classical degrees of freedom is governed by the Berry curvature. Here, we study local magnetic moments, modelled as classical spins, which are locally exchange coupled to the (spinful) Haldane model for a Chern insulator. In the emergent equations of motion for the slow classical-spin dynamics there is a an additional anomalous geometrical spin torque, which originates from the corresponding spin-Berry curvature. Due to the explicitly broken time-reversal symmetry, this is nonzero but usually small in a condensed-matter system. We develop the general theory and compute the spin-Berry curvature, mainly in the limit of weak exchange coupling, in various parameter regimes of the Haldane model, particularly close to a topological phase transition and for spins coupled to sites at the zigzag edge of the model in a ribbon geometry. The spatial structure of the spin-Berry curvature tensor, its symmetry properties, the distance dependence of its nonlocal elements and further properties are discussed in detail. For the case of two classical spins, the effect of the geometrical spin torque leads to an anomalous non-Hamiltonian spin dynamics. It is demonstrated that the magnitude of the spin-Berry curvature is decisively controlled by the size of the insulating gap, the system size and the strength of local exchange coupling.

Ultrafast switching in synthetic antiferromagnet with bilayer rare-earth transition-metal ferrimagnets

In spintronics, it is important to be able to manipulate magnetization rapidly and reliably. Several methods can control magnetization, such as by applying current pulses or magnetic fields. An applied current can reverse magnetization with nanosecond speed through the spin torque effect. For faster switching, subpicosecond switching with femtoseconds laser pulse has been achieved in amorphous rare-earth transition-metal ferrimagnets. In this study, we employed atomistic simulations to investigate ultrafast switching in a synthetic antiferromagnet with bilayer amorphous FeGd ferrimagnets. Using a two-temperature model, we demonstrated ultrafast switching in this synthetic antiferromagnet without external magnetic fields. Furthermore, we showed that if we initially stabilize a skyrmion in this heterostructure, the ultrafast laser can switch the skyrmion state using the same mechanism. Furthermore, this bilayer design allows the control of each ferrimagnetic layer individually and opens the possibility for a magnetic tunnel junction.

Spin-transfer and spin-orbit torques in the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation

Dynamic simulations of spin-transfer and spin-orbit torques are increasingly important for a wide range of spintronic devices including magnetic random access memory, spin-torque nano-oscillators and electrical switching of antiferromagnets. Here we present a computationally efficient method for the implementation of spin-transfer and spin-orbit torques within the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation used in micromagnetic and atomistic simulations. We consolidate and simplify the varying terminology of different kinds of torques into a physical action and physical origin that clearly shows the common action of spin torques while separating their different physical origins. Our formalism introduces the spin torque as an effective magnetic field, greatly simplifying the numerical implementation and aiding the interpretation of results. The strength of the effective spin torque field unifies the action of the spin torque and subsumes the details of experimental effects such as interface resistance and spin Hall angle into a simple transferable number between numerical simulations. We present a series of numerical tests demonstrating the mechanics of generalised spin torques in a range of spintronic devices. This revised approach to modelling spin-torque effects in numerical simulations enables faster simulations and a more direct way of interpreting the results, and thus it is also suitable to be used in direct comparisons with experimental measurements or in a modelling tool that takes experimental values as input.

Micromagnetically integrated numerical model of spin pumping based on spin diffusion

We present a nanoscopic numerical model of spin pumping, complete with spin-torque effects, as an extension of a spin-diffusion solver. The model is fully integrated in a micromagnetics finite-element framework. It is shown that this model can recreate analytical solutions for standard problems. Furthermore, the Gilbert damping of a propagating magnon can be properly modeled. The model can be used to examine spin-pumping effects, and those caused by it, e.g., inverse spin Hall, on a nanoscopic scale.

Dissipation-relaxation dynamics of a spin- 12 particle with a Rashba-type spin-orbit coupling in an ohmic heat bath

Spin-orbit coupling (SOC), which is inherent to a Dirac particle that moves under the influence of electromagnetic fields, manifests itself in a variety of physical systems including non-relativistic ones. For instance, it plays an essential role in spintronics developed in the past few decades, particularly by controlling spin current generation and relaxation. In the present work, by using an extended Caldeira-Leggett model, we elucidate how the interplay between spin relaxation and momentum dissipation of an open system of a single spin-$1/2$ particle with a Rashba type SOC is induced by the interactions with a spinless, three-dimensional environment. Staring from the path integral formulation for the reduced density matrix of the system, we have derived a set of coupled nonlinear equations that consists of a quasi-classical Langevin equation for the momentum with a frictional term and a spin precession equation. The spin precesses around the effective magnetic field generated by both the SOC and the frictional term. It is found from analytical and numerical solutions to these equations that a spin torque effect included in the effective magnetic field causes a spin relaxation and that the spin and momentum orientations after a long time evolution are largely controlled by the Rashba coupling strength. Such a spin relaxation mechanism is qualitatively different from, e.g., the one encountered in semiconductors where essentially no momentum dissipation occurs due to the Pauli blocking.

Underlying mechanism for exchange bias in single-molecule magnetic junctions

Magnetic proximity has been observed in a variety of solid-state magnetic devices, but has been less discussed at the molecular scale. In this study, the magnetotransport calculation is carried out using the generalized Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation combined with density functional theory (DFT) and our self-developed junpy calculated spin-torque effect. Except for the current driven spin torque, which is a promising approach for magnetization switch in magnetic random access memory, the equilibrium fieldlike spin torque also plays a crucial role in the strain-controlled exchange bias with current-controlled magnetic coercivity in single-molecule magnetic junctions. The tight-binding model is further employed to clarify the critical role of the interfacial spin filter effect arising from the hybridization between the linker and Co apex. These multidisciplinary DFT+junpy+LLG results may provide important and practical implications in the dual control of magnetic proximity and magnetization switching in molecular spintronics at low temperature, either by tensile strain or via smaller applied current density of the order of $\mathrm{MA}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$.

Recent advances in tunable spin–orbit coupling using ferroelectricity

Spin–orbit coupling (SOC), describing the interaction of the spin and orbital motion of electrons with a variety of emergent phenomena, has driven significant research activity over the past decade. Here, we review the fundamental principles of SOC and its related physical effects on magnetism and spin–charge interconversion. A special emphasis is made on ferroelectricity controlled SOC with tunable spin-torque effects and spin–charge interconversions for potential applications in future scalable, non-volatile, and low power consumption information processing devices.

On the Landau-Lifshitz-Bloch equation with spin torque effects

A mathematical model for current-induced magnetization dynamics in ferromagnets at elevated temperatures is considered. The model is represented by a classical Landau-Lifshitz-Bloch equation containing adiabatic and non-adiabatic torques. In the case of a ferromagnet confined to a bounded domain of R3, we prove existence of a weak solution by using Faedo-Galerkin approach and a compactness method. This paper extends the work done by Le et al. (2016) in the absence of adiabatic and non-adiabatic terms. Furthermore, uniqueness is proved in the case of dimension one and two. Finally, the limiting behaviour in large time is studied for the non-adiabatic case.

Dephasing of transverse spin current in ferrimagnetic alloys

It has been predicted that transverse spin current can propagate coherently (without dephasing) over a long distance in antiferromagnetically ordered metals. Here, we estimate the dephasing length of transverse spin current in ferrimagnetic CoGd alloys by spin pumping measurements across the compensation point. A modified drift-diffusion model, which accounts for spin-current transmission through the ferrimagnet, reveals that the dephasing length is about 4-5 times longer in nearly compensated CoGd than in ferromagnetic metals. This finding suggests that antiferromagnetic order can mitigate spin dephasing -- in a manner analogous to spin echo rephasing for nuclear and qubit spin systems -- even in structurally disordered alloys at room temperature. We also find evidence that transverse spin current interacts more strongly with the Co sublattice than the Gd sublattice. Our results provide fundamental insights into the interplay between spin current and antiferromagnetic order, which are crucial for engineering spin torque effects in ferrimagnetic and antiferromagnetic metals.

Thickness dependence of spin torque effect in Fe/MgO/Fe magnetic tunnel junction: Implementation of divide-and-conquer with first-principles calculation

In this study, we develop a divide-and-conquer (DC) method under the framework of first-principles calculation to prevent directly solving Hamiltonian of a large device with time-consuming self-consistent process. The DC implementation combined with JunPy package reveals the oscillatory decay of layer-resolved spin torques away from the MgO/Fe interface, and suggests a very thin Fe layer thickness below 2 nm to preserve the efficient current-driven magnetization switch. This newly developed JunPy-DC calculation may efficiently resolve current self-consistent difficulties in noncollinear spin torque effects for novel spintronic applications with complex magnetic heterostructures.

Domain Wall Motion in Axially Symmetric Spintronic Nanowires

Related DatabasesWeb of Science You must be logged in with an active subscription to view this.Article DataHistorySubmitted: 30 November 2020Accepted: 20 June 2021Published online: 28 October 2021KeywordsLandau--Lifschitz--Gilbert equation, spin-torque effects, domain walls, traveling fronts, absolute spectrumAMS Subject Headings34, 35, 37Publication DataISSN (online): 1536-0040Publisher: Society for Industrial and Applied MathematicsCODEN: sjaday

Quantum hydrodynamics description of spin-1 Bose–Einstein condensates

We develop a novel model of the magnetized spin-1 Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) of neutral atoms, using the method of many-particle quantum hydrodynamic (QHD) and propose an original derivation of the system of continual equations. We consider bosons with a spin-spin interaction and a short range interaction in the first order in the interaction radius, on the of basis of the self-consistent field approximation of the QHD equations. We demonstrate that the dynamics of the fluid velocity and magnetization is determined by a nontrivial modification of the Euler and Landau–Lifshitz equation, and show that a nontrivial modification of the spin density evolution equation contains the spin torque effect that arises from the self-interactions between spins of the bosons. The properties of the dispersion spectrum of collective excitations are described. We obtain the new contribution of the self-interaction of spins in the spin wave spectrum together with the influence of an external magnetic field and spin-spin interactions between polarized particles. The anisotropic spin wave instability is predicted.

Interface-induced field-like optical spin torque in a ferromagnet/heavy metal heterostructure

Abstract The manipulation of magnetization in a metallic ferromagnet by using optical helicity has been much attracted attention for future opto-spintronic devices. The optical helicity–induced torques on the magnetization, optical spin torque, have been observed in ferromagnetic thin films recently. However, the interfacial effect of the optical spin torque in ferromagnet/nonmagnetic heavy metal heterostructures have not been addressed so far, which are widely utilized to efficiently control magnetization via electrical means. Here, we studied optical spin torque vectors in the ferromagnet/nonmagnetic heavy metal heterostructures and observed that in-plane field-like optical spin torque was significantly increased with decreasing ferromagnetic layer thicknesses. The interfacial field-like optical spin torque was explained by the optical Rashba–Edelstein effect caused by the structural inversion symmetry breaking. This work will aid in the efficient optical manipulation of thin film nanomagnets using optical helicity.

Dual-band microwave detector based on magnetic tunnel junctions

The spin-torque diode effect has enabled a nanoscale category of microwave detectors, which are characterized by ultrahigh sensitivities and can work at sub-μW input power. Here, we develop such detectors having a dual-band rectification curve centered at the frequencies f1 and f2 and with a rectified voltage of opposite sign (Vf1>0 and Vf2<0). By selecting the proper bias current and field, the sensitivity is larger than 8000 mV/mW. The physics behind this behavior is the simultaneous excitation of different magnetization oscillation modes and the injection locking mechanism. This dual-band microwave detector could find potential applications in the Internet of Things by reducing the size and the power consumption for signal demodulation in a binary frequency shift keying modulation/demodulation scheme.

Current-induced torques in black phosphorus/permalloy bilayers due to crystal symmetry

Current-induced spin-torques in two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures have attracted extensive attention due to their importance in understanding the underlying fundamental physics and developing low-power dissipation nanoelectronics. Here, the Permalloy/black phosphorus (BP) bilayer devices are fabricated, and spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) measurements are utilized to investigate the spin-torque effect in the heterostructure. An obvious out-of-plane antidamping torque is observed, which could be associated with the broken mirror symmetry of BP. These results show the possibility of manipulating magnetization by semiconductor field-effect devices based on 2D materials and provide a clear avenue for engineering spintronic devices based on 2D materials.

Bulk Spin Torque-Driven Perpendicular Magnetization Switching in L10 FePt Single Layer.

Due to its inherent superior perpendicular magnetocrystalline anisotropy, the FePt in L10 phase enables magnetic storage and memory devices with ultrahigh capacity. However, reversing the FePt magnetic state, and therefore encoding information, has proven to be extremely difficult. Here, it is demonstrated that an electric current can exert a large spin torque on an L10 FePt magnet, ultimately leading to reversible magnetization switching. The spin torque monotonically increases with increasing FePt thickness, exhibiting a bulk characteristic. Meanwhile, the spin torque effective fields and switching efficiency increase as the FePt approaches higher chemical ordering with stronger spin-orbit coupling. The symmetry breaking that generates spin torque within L10 FePt is shown to arise from an inherent structural gradient along the film normal direction. By artificially reversing the structural gradient, an opposite spin torque effect in L10 FePt is demonstrated. At last, the role of the disorder gradient in generating a substantial torque in a single ferromagnet is supported by theoretical calculations. These results will push forward the frontier of material systems for generating spin torques and will have a transformative impact on magnetic storage and spin memory devices with simple architecture, ultrahigh density, and readily application.

Nonlinear Interaction of Acoustic Waves with a Spheroidal Particle: Radiation Force and Torque Effects

The nonlinear interaction of a time-harmonic acoustic wave with an anisotropic particle gives rise to the radiation force and torque effects. These phenomena are at the heart of the acoustofluidics technology, where microparticles such as cells and microorganisms are acoustically manipulated. We present a theoretical model considering a generic acoustic beam interacting with a subwavelength spheroidal particle in a nonviscous fluid. Concise analytical expressions of the radiation force and torque are obtained in the scattering dipole approximation. The radiation force is given in terms of a gradient and scattering force; while the radiation torque has two fundamental contributions, namely, the momentum arm and acoustic spin (spin-torque effect). As a practical example, we use the theory to describe the interaction of two crossed plane waves and a prolate spheroidal particle. The results reveal the particle is transversely trapped in a pressure node and is axially pushed by the radiation force. Also, the momentum arm aligns the particle in the axial direction. At certain specific positions, only the spin-torque occurs. Our findings are remarkably consistent with finite-element simulations. The success of our model enables its use as an investigation tool for the manipulation of anisotropic microparticles in acoustofluidics.

Magnetization Dynamics in a Perpendicular Anisotropy Free Layer under a Spin Torque Effect with Crossed Polarization

The transfer of spin angular momentum from a spin polarized current provides an efficient way of reversing the magnetization direction of the free layer of the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), and while faster reversal will reduce the switching energy, this in turn will lead to low power consumption. In this work, we propose a design where a spin torque oscillator (STO) is integrated with a conventional magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) which will assist in the ultrafast reversal of the magnetization of the free layer of the MTJ. The structure formed (MTJ stacked with STO), will have the free layer of the MTJ sandwiched between two spin polarizer layers, one with a fixed magnetization direction perpendicular to film plane (main static polarizer) and the other with an oscillatory magnetization (dynamic polarizer). The static polarizer is the fixed layer of the MTJ itself and the dynamic polarizer is the free layer of the STO.